Meridian woman Kadesha Dashanae Houston, 25, has been sentenced to 36 months’ probation after admitting she lied to federal agents about a firearm she bought that ended up in the hands of a convicted felon. The case, prosecuted under Project EJECT, exposes the dangerous pipeline of straw purchases feeding violent crime in Mississippi’s urban corridors.
Houston told federal investigators she bought a Romarm/Cugir Draco Model 7.62x39mm AR-style pistol for personal protection. But within 15 days, that same weapon was recovered by Meridian police during a raid on a convicted drug dealer—her romantic partner—on March 22, 2019. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) quickly zeroed in on Houston, who maintained a false story even when confronted with mounting evidence.
During the federal probe, ATF agents uncovered that Houston knowingly purchased the firearm for the convicted felon. When questioned, she lied about the purpose and recipient of the purchase. Even after being given a chance to correct her statements, she doubled down—a move that sealed her fate. Making false statements to federal law enforcement is a felony, punishable by stiff penalties, regardless of the underlying offense.
Houston was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019. On May 21, 2020, she pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, in Jackson, Mississippi. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham handled the prosecution, calling the case a textbook example of how straw purchases and deception enable violent crime.
The case falls under Project EJECT—Empower Justice Expel Crime Together—a Southern District of Mississippi initiative under the umbrella of the DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian. The multi-agency strategy targets gun violence through prosecution, intelligence sharing, and community re-engagement, focusing on those who illegally traffic or possess firearms.
“This sentencing sends a clear message,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “Lying to federal agents isn’t a minor offense—it’s a felony that undermines justice and fuels criminal networks.” Kurt Thielhorn, ATF Special Agent in Charge, added, “Whether you’re pulling the trigger or just handing over the gun, we’re coming after everyone in the chain.”
Related Federal Cases
- Meridian Man Javeon Davis Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession While Indicted · Mississippi
- Illegal Alien Nabbed with Stolen Guns · Mississippi
- Mississippi Students Pledge Against Gun Violence in DOJ Drive · Mississippi
- Damon Derrall Pittman Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession · Mississippi
- Lauderdale County Man Pleads Guilty to Felon Firearm Possession · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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